E-commerce in Portugal: What you need to know to sell online without hassle 🛍️🇵🇹

Setting up an online shop sounds easy, right? But, just like a physical business, there are a few rules you have to follow to avoid getting into trouble with the law. And that's where e-commerce legislation in Portugal comes in.

The Basics: Essential Customer Information 🔎

First and foremost, customers need to know who they're dealing with. That's why it's a must for your online shop:

• Company name: It can be the trade name or the company name.
• NIF: Your company's tax identification number.
• Address: Both physical and electronic (e-mail).
• Registration data: If it's a company, the commercial registration number.

This information should be in an easy-to-find place, as in the footer of the site.

Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy: Protecting the Customer (and you!) 🤝

You know that will that nobody reads? Well, it's important! The Terms and Conditions (T&C) explain the rules of your shop: how payment, delivery, exchanges and returns work. The Privacy Policy details how you collect, use and protect customer data.

Having these documents is not just a legal obligation, it's a way of building trust and avoiding hassle.

Clear Prices and Detailed Product Information 💰

When it comes to prices, be transparent! The final price, including all taxes, must be clearly visible. Also, make sure you describe the products: materials, dimensions, weight, everything the customer needs to know in order to make an informed purchase.

Right of Repentance: 14 Days to Change Your Mind 🔙

In e-commerce, the customer has 14 days to regret the purchase, without having to give any justification. This is known as the "right to regret". During this period, they can return the product and get their money back.

To avoid headaches, make this information clear on your website and have a simple and efficient returns process.

Cookies: Those Digital Biscuits 🍪

Cookies are small files that websites use to store information about visitors. They serve to personalise the user experience, but can also be used for marketing purposes.

In Portugal, you have to inform the customer about the use of cookies and ask for their consent. This can be done via a banner on your website.

Keep an eye on the changes! 🧐

E-commerce legislation is always changing. That's why it's important to keep an eye on what's new and make sure your shop is always compliant.

Tip: Consult websites such as the Competition Authority and DECO PROTESTE to keep up to date.

What about the GDPR? 🤔

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European law that protects citizens' personal data. In e-commerce, this means you have to be even more careful with your customers' information.

Ensure that you have their consent to collect and use the data, and that they can access, correct or delete this information at any time.

What if I sell to other EU countries? 🌍

If you want to sell to other European Union countries, the legislation may vary slightly. But in general, the principles are the same: transparency, consumer protection and respect for personal data.

Tip: Check out the European Commission's "Your Europe" page to find out more about legislation in other countries.

Ready to Sell Online? 🚀

Now that you know the basics about e-commerce legislation in Portugal, it's time to get down to work and create your online shop!

Remember: as well as complying with the law, it's important to offer a good customer experience. Invest in a beautiful, easy-to-use website with quality products. That way, you'll be successful in your sales and you'll win the trust of your customers. 😉

Prices, Discounts and the Rules You Need to Know to Sell Online Without Stress 🛍️🇵🇹

In addition to the basic points we've already covered, there's another crucial aspect for your e-commerce: the way you handle prices and discounts. You need to be transparent and comply with the law to avoid problems.

Clear All-Inclusive Prices 💰

The customer has the right to know the final price of the product before buying. That's why you always show the total price, including VAT and other taxes. No nasty surprises at the checkout!

Discounts: Sales, Promotions and Clearances 🏷️

If you're going to discount, it's important to know the difference between sales, promotions and liquidations:

• Balances: To sell products you already have in stock.
• Promotions: To boost sales of certain products or launch new products.
• Settlements: To sell stock for reasons such as shop closure or change of business.

Each one has specific rules, so make sure you're well informed before announcing your discounts.

Rules for Advertising Discounts 📢

To report discounts without breaking the law, you must:

• Indicate the type of discount (sale, promotion or liquidation).
• Specify the discounted products.
• Show the discount percentage and the previous price.
• Enter the start and end date of the discount.

Attention: You can't use other expressions, such as "opportunities", to advertise discounts.

Balances: Specific Rules ⚠️

• You can have sales at any time of the year, but in total they can't exceed 124 days.
• You have to notify ASAE five days in advance.

Promotions: What You Can and Can't Do 📝

• You can run promotions whenever you like, but not at the same time as the sales.
• The discount percentage must be calculated on the basis of the lowest price in the previous 90 days, except in the case of sales or promotions during this period.

What about the other laws? 📚

In addition to these rules, there are other laws that you should be aware of in order to have a legal e-commerce business in Portugal:

• Distance contracts: Regulates consumer rights in online shopping.
• E-commerce: Defines rules for the sale of products and services online.
• Data protection: Guarantee the privacy of your customers' data (the famous GDPR!).
• Complaints book: Mandatory in all online shops.
• Dispute resolution: Mechanisms for resolving conflicts with customers.

Tip: Consult the ASAE website for all the information on e-commerce legislation.

With these tips, you're ready to sell online in Portugal without any hassle! 😉